Hello All,
I would like to first apologize for my lack of dedication too first the LORD and secondly to this bible study. For the past several months I have been putting my own personal needs before the study of Gods word, and I know that is not what he would have me to do. I have asked the LORD to forgive me for my sins and I ask that those who participate in the bible study would forgive me as well. As you all know I am human and daily I am attempting to do God's will for my life.

I have been directed to pick up where we left off with the study of Esther and for those who would like chapters 1-3 please send me a private message and I will email you the questions so you can catch up. If anyone who likes me to start over please let me know and I would be more than happy to. Also if you look under posting you can go back and review the posting on lessons 1-3.

Heaven Father,
I would ask that you would first forgive us of our sins. Secondly I ask that you would give us understand to your word as we study your word. Lord I ask that as we study your word we would get a better understand of what you have in store for us. Father the store of Ester is building character under pressure and father we want a character that reflects you and what you stand for. Help us Lord as we dig deeper into your word. Bless the readers and doers of your word. Amen


Lesson No. Four

Title: Doing the Right Thing

Group: As a group, find and cut out articles in the newspaper or in magazines about people's choices in difficult situations. Have the group choose one or two of the best illustrations, and discuss what would be the right things to do in that situation. Talk through the complexity of the situation and what the consequences might have been if a different choice had been made.

Personal Reflection: Reflect on an instance in your life where obeying God's call meant taking a risk or facing difficult consequences.


SOMETHING TO PONDER/SUMMARY
Laszlo Tokes was a pastor in Timisoara, Romania, during the reign of Ceausescu under the communist regime. Tokes had dedicated his life to bringing about revival in the church in Romania despite opposition and danger. He risked his life to preach the gospel and stand up against the communist government. Because o his courage and integrity he helped the people to win their freedom.

God place us in situations where he wants to use us, and in those situations we are faced with the choice of doing what God calls us to do or doing what is against God. We may never face circumstances like those of Laszlo Tokes, but doing what is right includes everything from giving back extra change when a cashier makes a mistake to standing up for justice in a dangerous situation. Whether the stakes are large or small, it takes the same character qualities of courage and moral strength to choose what is right.

This chapter is the pivotal section of Esther's story. Her character is clearly demonstrated in her responses and choices in this chapter. Read Esther 4

1. What is the sequence of events?



2. What does the response of Mordecai and the Jews to Haman's plot tell us about the Jews in Persia at that time?


3. How does the fasting of the Jewish people in verse 3 contrast with parts of the first three chapters?


4.What is the progression of responses that we see in Esther?



5. What do you think Esther may have been feeling at different points in her responses (vv. 9-11)?



6. Think of a situation God called you to in which obeying meant facing great risks. What was your first reaction, and what were your feelings when God called you?



7. What was Mordecai's perspective of Esther's role and responsibility in the situation?



8. How do Mordecai's arguments in verses 12-14 persuade Esther to go to the king?



9. In this chapter, how do we see God's sovereignty and people's responses working together?



10. What character qualities does Esther show throughout this passage?



11. Think of present context in which you think God may have placed you to do his will. What risks do you face in doing the right thing in this situation?



What character qualities must you exhibit in order to do the right things?



As God for the courage to be obedient in the current circumstances in your life.

Hi Tanya! , And just to say hello! and how are you doing this blessed day of our Lord Jesus Christ? , but yes! , I'am glad to hear of your faith walk towards GOD and his Son, and hoping and we will be in prayer that he will answer your needs, according his riches and Glory! Love, form: Walter and Deborah, La.

http://www.firstthings1st.com

Hi Tanya,

Thanks for this will do this tomorrow after the prayer virgil...I don't need to go to the newspaper or media to see an example I only have to come on here and see some very real difficult situations and the choices being made...

I remember when the Lord gave me this lesson about doing the right thing and that it all leads to integrity and about honesty...his integrity and his honesty and to keep the focus on that and His Character will be imparted unto us....

I will read Chapter 3...I love to ponder and delve deeper and will allow the Lord to show me....as I reflect and focus...however now it is the Prayer Virgil for a family and another....

love and blessings in the Lord,

Serenity

Hi All,
Here are a few answers to questions 1-3 please add your comments as you see fit. Enjoy and my God bless you!!


What is the sequence of events?
1. The sequence of events were:
A. Morcedica learned of the decree against the Jewish people in chapter previous chapter – his actions of indicates that he is deeply distressed by the decree.
B. Esthers was in great distress after hearing what Morcedica was doing. In an effort to find out what was bothering him she, summons helps to see what was going on.
C. Mordecai please to Esther for help, and he informs her not matter what where you live you in deed are still a Jew and the decree applies to Esther as well.
D. Esther commanded her maids to fast and they did.


2. What does the response of Mordecai and the Jews to Haman's plot tell us about the Jews in Persia at that time?
Mordecai responded to the news about the edict by tearing is clothes, putting on sackcloth and ashes, and mourning. He was grieving in every way possible. He was publicly displaying his grief about the situation by wailing through the city streets.

The Jews responded in the same ways as Mordecai. There was great mourning, fasting, weeping and wailing. It is important to note that in every place the edict went there was the same reaction. This is a strong example community and the connectedness of the Jews as a people.

The Jews wore sackcloth and ashes when mourning in hopes of averting national catastrophe. Help the group see that the Jews immediately turned to their God for help; they south God's protection and mercy before doing anything else. This something's is not our first response to tragic news.


3. How does the fasting of the Jewish people in verse 3 contrast with parts of the first three chapters?
There has been great feasting and celebrating in the book so far (1:3-9' 2:18; 3:15). Haman and the king sit down for a drink, which seems to be a joyful, relaxed situation. Help the group see the contrast between the feasting of Haman and the kings, and the mourning of the Jewish people. It seems that these two men have determined the fate of a whole people, but in reality the fate of the Jews remains with the sovereign God.

Walter and Deborah,
I would like to thank you both for your prayers. It really means a lot to me to know that other are praying for me. I am still believing God for guidance/direction and i know that he will answer.

May God continue to richly bless you and your family in a mighty way.

Questions/Answers 4 & 5:

4. What is the progression of responses that we see in Esther?

5. What do you think Esther may have been feeling at diffeernt points in her responses (vv. 9-11)?

Esthers first responds to Mordecai's display of mourning with, perhaps, embarrassment because she is unaware of the plot against the Jews. Once she is informed of the plot and of Mordecai's request, her emotions and response quickly change.

Esther first reacts by thinking about the risks she personally faces in going to the king. If a person approaches the king without being summoned, the person is in danger of being put to death unless the king gives a pardon. At this point Esther is not thinking about helping her people or using her position to influence the fate of the Jews. She is probably afraid, nervous and uncertain when she receives Mordecai's first message.

Her final response is to realize the truth of Mordecai's words and resign herself to the path in front of her. She knows that she must approach the king and that her fate is in his hands. But she realizes that her obedience to God must come first. She experiencing great determination and resignation here, even in the midst of her fear.

Knowing that Esther thinks about her own safety first is helpful because it highlights her final decision to carry out Mordecai's instructions. The fact that she was afraid but had the courage and character to go through with it anyway is motivating

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